Textile fibre blending and distributing apparatus and method



J. H. SENIOR Dec. 30, l947.-

TEXTILE FIBRE BLENDING AND DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS AND METHOD 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed March 21, 1947 NN. /C

INVENTOR N EN IO R A RNEYS bww?- /zz/dd/Y/ Dec. 30, 1947. J, H, 5EN|QR 2,433,790

TEXTILE FIBRE BLENDING AND DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed March 21, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JOHN H, SENIOR BY HIS ATTORNEYS f' Dec.' 30, 1947. J, sENlOR 2,433,790

TEXTILE AFIBRE BLIUl-[NGv AND DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed March 21, 1947 5 ShetS-Sheet A Iil lill lll lil lll Il' Il l Il Il Jl l INVENTOR JOHN H. SENIOR B Y HIS ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 30, 1947 a TEXTILE FIBRE BLENDIG AND DISTRIB- UTIN G APPARATUS AND METHOD John H. Senior, Germantown, Pa., assigner toy Proctor & Schwartz, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application March 21, 1947, Serial No. 736,383

This invention relates to apparatus and method for blending textile fibres, and more particularly to a novel apparatus and method whereby bres of different qualities, lengths and colors may be mechanicaly handled and mixed or blended into an eiiective homogeneous mass for subsequent carding, spinning or other processing.

The practice generally followed in the trade for mixing and blending textile fibres consists in blowing the fibres into a large room or enclosure in which one or more men are located f or the purpose of manually spreading the fibres over the floor of the room and in that way eiecting a general mixing and blending of them, and when a particular mixing and blending operation such as this had been completed the workers in the room manually gather up the mixed and blended bres by the armful and convey them, for example, to a chute or hopper by means of which the fibres are delivered to a storage bin or room until ready for further processing or use.

This practice for mixing vand blending textile bres presents certain substantial objections and disadvantages. In the firstplace, the manual spreading and intermixing of the fibres in a room by workers in the manner described produces a relatively ineicient blending of the fibres which is lacking in homogeneity. Furthermore, the operation is a purely manual one and considerable time and labor cost is consumed. Apart from this, however, there is a substantial health factor involved because the atmosphere of the room or enclosure into which the textile fibres are blown and manually mixed and blended soon becomes heavily laden with dust particles from the fibres to an extent that in manycases it becomes hazarduous for persons to continue to work in the blending rooms.

With the foregoing in mind, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus and method whereby fibres of different qualities, lengths or colors may be satisfactorily mixed, blended and distributed in a single operation.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a n ovel apparatus and method as set forth which is operable mechanically and automatically to blend and distribute textile bres without the use of manual labor.

These and other objects of the invention and the various features and details of the construction and use thereof are hereinafter fully set forth and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through a series of fibre blending elements constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention;

Fig, 2 is a similar section showing the elements in different position;

Fig. 3 is a plan view, in greater detail, showing the feed end of such a bre blending apparatus;

11 Claims.

v veyor.

Fig. 4 is an elevation of that part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the opposite end of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an elevation of that part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 'I is an enlarged fragmental elevation of a part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6, viewed as illustrated by the arrows l--lin Fig. 6; and

Fig, 8 is a semi-diagrammatic view showing the elements and connections of the motor driving and reversing arrangement.

According to the present invention, a mass of libre is spread upon a train of rolls which mix and blend the mass by breaking it into segments and rolling each segment downwardly between pairs of adjacent rolls into a blending and storage bin beneath the rolls.

, In the drawings there is shown a bre blending conveyor l0 disposed above a storage and blending bin Il into which the conveyor periodically discharges. A feed conveyor l2 of the belt type, having substantially the width of the blending conveyor, supplies libre to the blending con- The feed conveyor is supported in the usual manner-.by an idler roller I3 and a driver roller il which is driven, as by a sprocket connection I5 from the blending conveyor I0. The fibre is fed from the picker (not shown) to the feed conveyor in a narrow stream, and it is necessary to spread the mass of libre substantially uniformly across the feed conveyor ln order that its supply may cover the entire width of the blending conveyor. Accordingly, a number of spaced spreading fingers I6 are pivoted as at Il at the receiving end of the feed conveyor. The spreading fingers are caused to sweep back and forth across the supply end of the feed conveyor in order to spread the mass of bre thereon. To this end, each spreading nger is pivotally connected to an actuating rod i8, which is reciprocated by a bellcrank lever i9, a rod 20, and a sprocket wheel 2|, all suitably connected together and driven from the driver roller Il of the feed belt.

The libre blending conveyor, I 0 comprises a train or series of. parallel uni-directional rolls 22 and bi-directional rolls 23 alternately spaced and closely juxtaposed. The rolls may be made of sheet metal, or of any other known or convenient material, and longitudinal fins 24 extend radially from the peripheries of all rolls.` The ro11s are carried by horizontal axles which are journaled at either end above the longitudinal side walls of the storage bin Il and so spaced that small clearance is allowed between the longitu dinal ns of adjacent. rolls. See Figs. 1 and 2.

In order to rotate the uni-directional rolls 22 of the bre blending conveyor in a direction which will carry the mass of fibre away from the feed conveyor and the feed end of the series of rolls, bevel gears 25 are fixed to like ends of theunidirectional roll axes. Meshing bevel gears 26 are fixed to a shaft 21 which is driven from a unidirectional motor 28 conveniently positioned adjacent the fibre blending conveyor.

The alternately-spaced bi-dlrectional rolls 23 are similarly driven. Thus bevel gears 29 are fixed to the ends of the bi-directional roll axes on the opposite side of the conveyor from that of the uni-directional drive, and meshing bevel gears 30 are fixed to a drive shaft 3|, which lsI driven from a lil-directional motor 32. Means, later to be described, reverses the bi-directional motor periodically at pre-determined intervals.

Accordingly all rolls are first driven away from the belt conveyor I2 and the feed end of the series of rolls, and when the mass of fibre covers the entire blending conveyor I0, (see Figure 1) the bi-directional rolls 23 are reversed to discharge the fibres between pairs of rolls. Reversal of the bi-directional rolls separates the fibre mass into segments as best shown in Fig. 2. The bres of each segment are drawn by the longitudinal fins 24 from either side between the rolls. The fibres are thus mixed and blended as they are drawn from outside positions to a central position between a pair of rolls, and they are further mixed and blended as they pass between the rolls, expand, and fall freely into the bin Thus the fibres are fed to one end of a series of parallel, juxtaposed cylinders: namely, therolls 22 and 23 of the blending conveyor. All of the cylinders are then rotated away from the feed end of the series, and the direction of rotation of alternate cylinders is periodically reversed to discharge the fibres between adjacent cylinders into a--containerz namely, the bin in mixed and blended condition.

The means for operating the drive shafts 21 and 3|, including one means for reversing the the main switch is closed 'and which maintains energization of the solenoid until this auxiliary circuit is broken.

between the control switch and the solenoid. An

bi-directional motor, will now be described. Re-

ferring to Fig. 8, a source of direct current is illustrated by poles 33 and 34.

' Suitable connections are provided whereby the uni-directional motor may be driven from the source of direct current. Thus, from the pole 33, a lead 35 extends to a junction point 36, whence a wire 31 connects with the uni-directional motor 28. A second lead 38 passes from the pole 34 through a normally-open, main switch 39 and connects with a second junction point 48, whence a wire 4| completes the circuit through the unidirectional motor. With the main switch 39 closed, therefore, the motor 28 will be energized and will'continue to drive the shaft 21 in predetermined direction.

The main switch 39 is of normally-open type, solenoid-operated, and of conventional construction. It closes the circuit by moving a contact bar 42, to bridge terminals 43 and 44 where the continuity of the lead 38 is broken. A normallyopen control switch 45 is used to close the main switch 39, closing a shunt circuit from a junction point 45, between the pole 34 and the adjacent terminal 43 of the main switch 39, through a solenoid 41 to a connection 48 on the lead 35. The

solenoid, thus energized, closes the main switch.

In the absence of other connections, when the normally-open control switch 45 is released the shunt circuit will be broken, the solenoid will be de-energized, and the main switch will open. In order to keep the solenoid energized Auntil it is desired to stop the motor, an auxiliary circuit is provided for the solenoid 41 which is closed when auxiliary contact bar 54, operates with the main switch contact bar 42 to bridge the auxiliary terminals 5| and 52.

Accordingly, when the control switch 45 is closed and the solenoid closes the main switch, the auxiliary circuit is also closed through the solenoid. When the control switch is released, the control circuit is broken, but the auxiliary circuit continues to energize the solenoid and keeps the main switch closed. Operation of the release switch 50 breaks the auxiliary circuit, de-energizes the solenoid, and the normally-open main switch opens.

Closing the main switch 39 also energizes the reversing motor 32, the direction of which is determined by a timer 55, later to be described.

The reversing motor is energized through a wire 56 connected thereto and to the lead 35 which it joins as at 51; and in alternate directions by wires 58 and 59 which are oppositely connected to the reversing motor 32 and to contact points 60 and 6| respectively upon the timer 55. The timer is in turn connected to the lead 38.

The timer 55 here shown comprises a pivoted contact arm \62 which is conveniently connected, as at its pivot, to the lead 38. A cam 63, rotated by a motor 64, oscillates between the contact points 60 and 6|. The motor 64 is energized from the leads 35 and 38 to which it is connected as by Wires 65 and 66 joined to the leads 35 and 38, as at 36 and 48.

The contact arm 62 is held against one of the contact points, as the contact point 6|, in any convenient mannenas by a helical spring (not shown) at its pivot point. The cam 63, rotated by the motor 64, periodically passes over a roller 61 upon the contact arm and moves the latter from its position 'against the contact point 6| to a position against the contact point 6|), thereby breaking the connection through the wire 59 and making a connection through the wire 58 to reverse the motor 32. As the cam 63 continues to rotate the contact arm moves back against the contact point 6| and the motor is again reversed. Obviously the contact arm 61 will remain against the contact point 6| during most of the rotation of the cam 63 and this position of the contact arm therefore corresponds to forward movement of the bi-directional rolls 23.

The peripheral length of the cam 63, the form of its operating projection, and the rate at which the motor 64 rotates it are so designed that the contact arm 62 will be held against the contact point 6I for a length of time corresponding to that required by the rolls 22 and 23 to move the 'initial end of a new mass of fibre from the feed end of the roll train to the far end thereof. The number of revolutions of each roll before the bidirectional rolls are reversed will therefor@ be equal to the length of the roll train divided by the peripheral length of an individual roll; and

s d may be figured accordingly. The length of time during which the direction of the bidirectional rolls is reversed will of course depend upon the length of time during which the contipi/gear ratios, cam design, and timer motor speed and cam design.

To avoid strain upon the reversing motor 32 during reversal, a conventional brake. mechanism 4is employed. Thus there is operatively associated with the reversing motor 32 a brake 68 which is actuated by a spring 69, normally to brake the motor. When the motor is energized through the wire 58, a shunt circuit energizes a solenoid coil 10, thereby causing a connected arm 1| to neutralize the action of the spring B9 and release the brake 68. rI'he instant' the .contact arm 62 loses contact with the contact point 60, the solenoid coil 10 is de-energized, releases the arm 1|, and the spring 69 again appliesthe brake to the motor. correspondingly, when the contact arm 62 engages the contact point 6l to energize the' motor in the opposite direction, a shunt circuit energizes a solenoid coil 12 thereby causing the arm 1I to neutralize the spring 69 and release the brake v68. Accordingly, each time the direction of the reversing motor 32 is changed the inertia of themotor is braked before the reverse energizing current is applied.

Returning now to the blending and storage bin Il, into which reversal of the bi-directional rolls 23 causes themass of. fibre upon the train of rolls to drop, means is provided for periodically removing the mass of fibre from the bin when the bin has become filled, or atany other desired time. Thus, a belt conveyor 13 is disposed in the-bottom of the bin, extending over its entire width and movable from one end of the bin to the other, and beyond the bin, to carry the contents out of the bin. Thus the belt conveyor 13 is carried at one end by an idler roller 14 and at the other end by a drive roller 15, belty driven through gears 16 and 11 from a drive box 18 conveniently disposed. The belt conveyor 13 removes the stock from the bin at the right hand end thereof, as best seen in Fig. 6. The trainy of rolls above the bin may be stopped when this operation is being performed.

Furthermore, means isvprovided for. additionally breaking down the high mass of stock contained in the bin as it leaves the bin. One such means comprises retractable pin rolls 19 and 80,

which may be constructed inaccordance with Patent No, 2,372,543, granted to William F. Bokum, March 27, 1945, for fStripping roll for long fibre feeders. The retractable pin rolls 19 and 80 are preferably belt driven from the drive box 18, and at different speeds. The lower rol1,80 revolves at higher speed than the upper rol1- 19, and both rolls together serving to thin and break down the high mass of fibre in the bin as it leaves the bin on the conveyor 13.

From the foregoing it will be apparent thatthermore, the operationvis mechanical and does not require expensive manual labor.

The form of the invention which is described in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings isset forth merely to indicate how the invention may be applied. Other forms,

variations, and embodiments of the invention, coming within the proper scope ofthe appended claims, will naturally suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. Fibre blending apparatus comprising a series of parallel juxtaposed rolls, driving means coupled to alternate rolls of said series for rotating them in one direction, and reversible driving means coupled to the remaining rolls of said series for rotating them alternately in two directions, whereby a mass of fibre, placed upcn the end of said series of rolls away from which all rolls rotate, will first be carried along said series of rolls and will then be discharged between pairs of rolls in/mixed condition.

. 2. Fibre blending apparatus comprising a series of parallel juxtaposed rolls, a conveyor for feeding fibre to one end of said series of rolls, driving means coupled to alternate rolls of said vseries for rotating the alternate rolls away from the feed point of said conveyor, and reversible driving means coupled to the remaining rolls of said lseries for rotating them alternately away from the feedv point of said conveyor and toward the 'feed point of said conveyor, whereby a mass of libre, fed to said series of rolls by said conveyor, will first be carried along saidseries of rolls and will then be discharged between pairs f rolls in mixed condition.

3. Fibre blending apparatus comprising a series of parallel juxtaposed rolls, longitudinal fins extending radially from` the peripheries of said rolls, a conveyor for feeding fibre to one end of said series of rolls, driving means coupled to alternate rolls of said series for rotating the alternate rolls away from the feed point of said conveyor, reversible driving means coupled to the remaining rolls of said series for rotating them alternately away from the feed point of said conveyor and toward the feed point of said conveyor, vand res versing means for reversing the direction of said reversible driving means when the rolls of said series have rotated a linear distance substantially equal to the length of said series of rolls, whereby a mass of fibre, fed to said series of rolls by said conveyonwill first be carried along said series of rolls to cover the rolls substantially completely, and will then be discharged between pairs of rolls in mixed condition.

4. Fibre blending apparatus comprising a series of parallel juxtaposed rolls, driving means coupled to alternate rolls of said series for rotating them in one direction, and reversible driving means coupled to the remaining rolls of said series for rotating them alternately in two directions, in combination with a blending and storage bin beneath said series of rolls, and a conveyor extending over the bottomfof and movable beyond said bin, whereby a mass of fibre, placedy upon the end of said series of rolls away from which all rolls rotate, will first be carried along said series of rolls, will then be discharged between pairs of said rolls in mixed condition into Said bin, and will be removed mechanically from said bin.

5. Fibre blending apparatus comprising a series of parallel juxtaposed rolls, a conveyor for feed- .series of rolls to coact with the alternate rolls of said series to cover the rolls with iibre and toward the feed end of said series of rolls to discharge fibre from said series of rolls between alternate pairs of rolls, in combination with a blending and storage bin beneath said series of rolls for receiving fibre discharged from said series of rolls, a conveyor extending over the bottom of and movable beyond said bin for periodically removing fibre from said bin, and retractible pin rolls disposed adjacent the point where said conveyor moves beyond said bin for thinning and breaking down the mass of bre in said bin as said con veyor removes bre from said bin.

6. Fibre blending apparatus comprising a series ofparallel juxtaposed rolls, longitudinal fins extending radially from the perlpheries of said rolls, a conveyor for feeding fibre to one end of said series of rolls, driving means coupled to alternate.

rolls of said series for rotating them away from the feed end of said series of rolls, reversible driving means Vcoupled to the remaining rolls of said series for rotating them away from the feed end of said series of rolls to coact with the alternate rolls of said series to cover the rolls with fibre and toward the feed end of said series of rolls to discharge bre from said series of rolls between alternate pairs of rolls, and reversing means for reversing the direction of said reversible driving means when the rolls of said series have rotated a linear distance equal to the length of said series of rolls, in combination with a blending and storage bln beneath said series of rolls for receiving fibre discharged from said series of rolls, a conveyor extending over the bottom of and movable beyond said bin for periodically removing libre from said bln, and retractible pin rolls disposed adjacent the point where said conveyor moves beyond said bin for thinning and breaking down the mass of fibre in said bin as said conveyor removes libre from said bin, substantially as described.

7 A bre blending conveyor comprising a train of rolls for advancing fibre along said conveyor in one direction, a, driving connection coacting with alternate rolls of said train for rotating them in one direction, a second driving connection coacting with the remaining rolls of said train for rotating them in like direction, and reversing mechanism coacting with said second driving connection for periodically reversing its direction to discharge bre from said conveyor between adjacent rolls thereof in mixed condition.

8. A fibre blending conveyor comprising a train of rolls for advancing fibre along said conveyor in one direction, longitudinal ns extending radially from the peripheries of said rolls, a driving connection coacting with alternate rolls of said train for rotating them in one direction, a second driving connection coacting with the remaining rolls of said train for rotating them in like direction, and reversing mechanism coacting with said second driving connection for periodically reversing its direction to discharge fibre from said conveyor between adjacent rolls thereof in mixed condition.

9. .bre blending conveyor comprising a train .pf rolls for advancing bre along said conveyor actuating said reversing mechanism when the rolls of said train have rotated in fibre-advancing direction a linear distance equal to the length of said series of rolls. v

10. A method of blending fibres comprising feeding the fibres to one end of a series of parallel juxtaposed cylinders, rotating all cylinders in a direction away from the feed end of the series and periodically reversing the direction of rotation of alternate cylinders to discharge the fibres between adjacent cylinders.

11. A method of blending fibres comprising spreading fibres on a surface, feeding the spread fibres from the surface to one end of a series of .parallel juxtaposed cylinders, rotating all cylinders in a direction away from the feed end of the series, and periodically reversing the direction of rotation of alternate cylinders to discharge the fibres between adjacent cylinders into a container.

i JOHN H. SENIOR. 

